Top 10 assisters in Champions League history as Angel Di Maria overtakes Lionel Messi and closes in on Cristiano Ronaldo
FORMER Manchester United flop Angel Di Maria has now registered the second most assists in Champions League history.
The 34-year-old, who spent a doomed season at United, has set up more goals in Europe’s elite competition than the great Lionel Messi.
Di Maria is now closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
And with the Red Devils forward resigned to playing in the Europa League this season, Di Maria could overtake him before the campaign is over.
Juventus playmaker Di Maria has created an impressive 38 Champions League goals in his career and now has Ronaldo’s record in his sights.
Di Maria notched a hat-trick of assists for Juventus in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa.
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That saw him overtake Messi’s record of 37 Champions League assists and into second place in the all time standings behind Ronaldo.
He now trails former Real Madrid team-mate CR7 by just four assists.
While Neymar is five behind current PSG team-mate Messi, coming home fourth on the list with 32 Champions League assists.
He is one ahead of United legend Ryan Giggs, who provided 31 assists in his career and helped the Red Devils lift the Champions League in 1999 and 2008.
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Barcelona legends Andres Iniesta and Xavi were rarely far apart on the football pitch, and it’s the same on this list.
Xavi’s 30 Champions League assists is one better than his old Barca pal Iniesta.
Elsewhere Real Madrid are also represented in the top 10 assisters of all time by current skipper Karim Benzema, who is eighth on the list with 28 Champions League assists.
And Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller and ex-Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea man Cesc Fabregas round off the top 10.